Page 29 - Summer 2016 Contact issue 38

A Caring Fellowship

Jesus did many different things while He was Elders have an important role to play within our
here on earth, including showing care to those who pastoral care structures and this would be a good
were hurting and marginalised. As His church, we time to read again Norman’s article ‘Pastoral Care
are called to follow His example in caring for others, by our Elders’ in the last Contact. Everyone in the
whether within the fellowship or not. The Presbyterian congregation will have a named elder but this
Church in Ireland recognised this during the past year means our elders now have 25-50 families in their
by calling the whole church to an emphasis on Christ’s pastorate. Even with the help of an Elder’s Assistant
heart of compassion under the theme ‘A Caring (formerly District Assistant) they will not be able to
Fellowship’. For various reasons, we didn’t use that visit every family on a frequent basis. They will be
title or the small group materials, but many of us were working alongside the visiting team in the care of the
challenged by the Sunday preaching and laser group elderly/housebound and alongside laser group leaders
discussions on ‘Life Together’, as well as many other to ensure effective care of group members.
opportunities to show loving care. Please help in the task of making High Kirk a more
Others have written of the various outreach activities caring fellowship by joining a laser group - in recent
in which High Kirk is involved so my main focus is on years, it has been great to see people of all ages
our care for one another. Pastoral care is a vital part of benefitting from doing so. For more information
our life together as we seek to bring the practical on laser groups, please contact me.
unconditional love of Christ to people, especially E: anne.taylor@highkirk.org.uk
to those who are hurting, so that they become fully
devoted disciples. Anne Taylor
Part of good pastoral care should be preventative –
preparing and equipping ourselves to cope with the
crises that life throws at us. The first way this can
happen is by each member taking responsibility for
their own pastoral and spiritual care just as we look
after our general health and fitness. Some of the best
pastoral care begins with our own bible reading and
prayer, combined with attentive listening to God’s
word proclaimed Sunday by Sunday. Developing a
strong relationship with the Lord can prevent some
of the pain and hurt we face as a result of situations
outside our control and/or our own sin.
But none of us can go it alone, nor should we, for
God’s plan for his church includes the members
caring for one another. Everyone needs to be cared
for in some way, so we all have a role to play in loving,
nurturing and praying for each other on a continuing
basis. We should never underestimate the real
pastoral help we can give to someone simply by
being with them and taking time to listen.

In a church as large as ours, it is vital that people
have smaller support networks. We would therefore
encourage everyone to become involved in some of
the congregational activities to enable this level of
support to take place by both giving and receiving
care. The most effective pastoral care takes place
within our laser groups where we can befriend and
know one another at a deeper level, while studying
and living out God’s Word.